Bazzel Kenny "BK" Bates

Bazzel Kenny, "BK" Bates, 53 of Dover, Arkansas, gained his heavenly wings, Sunday, July 20, 2025. He was born December 1, 1971 in Russellville, Arkansas to Bazzel Hughy Bates and Susie Waldo Husley. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Garland and Opal Waldo, Velva and Pete Bates; stepfather, Bob Hulsey; uncle, Buck Bates, aunt; Bennie Lou Meadows; cousin, Angie Howard and precious fur baby, Molly.

He retired from the AR Highway Department after 28 years and was a current employee of Russellville Public Works Department.  He was a Master Mason; he volunteered for the Dover Chamber of Commerce, especially helping with the Ozark Memories Days, driving the train for the children to ride. He was involved in the Children's Christmas Fund, so the children in the community could have a wonderful Christmas. He dressed up as Santa Claus for several occasions, including at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club, where he and Anna were members. BK attended the New Beginnings Church of God, in Russellville. He enjoyed following the PBR circuit; he loved rodeos, where he was a rodeo clown in his younger years. Everyone who knew Bazzel Kenny, loved his big personality and huge smile.

He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Anna Bates; mom, Susie Hulsey; dad, "Big Baz" Bazzel Bates; brother, Greg Bates and wife Bonnita; sister, Jessica Boyer and husband Matt; bonus sister, Kelly Miller; mother and father-in-law, Pat and Stanley Lynch; sister-in-law, Janie Duvall and husband Michael, brother-in-law, Kenny Walker and wife Peyton, nieces and nephews, Brynn Bates, Ty Bates, Harper Boyer, Eric Duvall, Gage Duvall, Jacob Walker, cousins, who were like his sisters, Tara Bates, Becca Bates, as well as Shelle Stormoe, Shawn Bates, Bryan Bates, Justin Young; aunts, Anna Passamore, Pam Barton and husband Dr. Dale Barton, uncles, Steve Bates, Bill and Pat Waldo; several other aunts, uncles, family and friends. As well as his precious fur babies, Presley, Quincy, Deuce, and Ethel.

His visitation will be 5-7pm, Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at Russellville Family Funeral Chapel. His Funeral service will be 10am Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Russellville Family Funeral.

Pallbearers will be Bill Linton, Ty Bates, Kerry Powers, Rusty Decker, Michael Duvall, Greg Bates, Shawn Bates and Kenneth Duvall.

Honorary pallbearers will be Justin young, Bryan Bates, and City of Russellville Public Works Department.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Russellville Family Funeral. Please visit our website, www.russellvillefamilyfuneral.com, to share a memory with his family.